Influence of Web-based Distance Education on the Academic Department Chair Role

The purpose of this study was to examine academic department chair perceptions about the future influence of web-based distance education on departmental operations and their changing role as academic leader. Using a rating, modified-policy Delphi method, the researcher worked with 22 department chairs employed at public, urban universities in the United States to develop 76 factor statements about the opportunities, pressures, changing relationships, and role of the chair. In a three-step process, the chairs reduced the 76 factors into 29 predictive statements. Furthermore, the researcher merged the predictions into six themes covering topics such as the importance of external agencies to the successful implementation of web-based education and concerns about future funding. Based on the findings, the researcher argued that the most efficient strategies to promote web-based distance education are through the efforts of the department chair due to the closer proximity of the department to external markets.